Top 20 Albums of 2013
2013 was a year of lots of new experiences and challenges and these twenty albums provided the perfect soundtrack to one of my most eventful years ever. My love for strong lyrics definitely shows here as these albums feature some of the most quotable songs ever. I have always had a preference for the female artist, but with the exception of 3.5 albums (and a small sliver of CHVRCHES’ album), these albums are exclusively performed by women. This list features many of my all-time favorite artists along with some refreshing newcomers and big-name stars. I hope you invite these albums into your playlists in 2014 (Spotify is a beautiful thing) if you have not already and welcome your feedback!
1) Heartthrob - Tegan and Sara
Top Tracks - Closer, Drove Me Wild, Now I’m All Messed Up, Goodbye, Goodbye
I have been a Tegan and Sara fan for over eight years now and I have seen my girls release album after album of incredible, genre-defining music, and on their seventh endeavor Heartthrob, the Quinn sisters present a refreshingly new, polished synth-pop/electronic sound without sacrificing an ounce of what makes them the most unique musical act of my time. Still present are the irresistible, heart-wrenching lyrics, the twins’ unique vocal talents (with Sara coming much more into her voice than in any previous work), and the melodies and hooks that have made the duo such a success so far. But on Heartthrob, the Quinns take their tried-and-true musical formula and jack it up several notches, introducing a fresh, insanely addictive new dance/pop sound that seems like it was just waiting for them to discover. After over a decade of providing their fans with nuggets of indie/alt-rock genius, the timing for Tegan and Sara’s new endeavor could not come at a more opportune time. The evolution of their sound in Heartthrob shows that Tegan and Sara understand the current popular music climate that they are existing in and the not only want to be a part of it, they want to conquer it. I still remember the distinct feeling of satisfaction and joy I felt when I heard ‘Closer’ come up on the Top 40/Pop radio stations (remember those?) in DC and Miami. With the ten songs on Heartthrob, Tegan and Sara have introduced themselves to a broad new swath of listeners while still delivering the flawless musical performances that make them my favorite musicians of our time. Buy Heartthrob.
2) Matangi - M.I.A.
Top Tracks - Y.A.L.A., MATANGI, Come Walk With Me
M.I.A. is one of the most provocative and prodigious artists to come onto the scene in the last decade. In 2007, she blew the world away with her perfect sophomore release Kala and in 2013, she gave Kala the follow-up it deserved with Matangi (ignore that other album she released between then). Back are M.I.A.’s insane beats, creative samples, and bombshell lyrics. M.I.A.’s music has matured with her as she gives us her finest collection of social commentary and beautifully insightful and unique music to date. This album needs to be played as loudly as possible and as many times as possible, each second of it is pure genius. With its late year release and lack of heavy promotion, this album could fly under the radar for some folks, but that would be a horrible disservice to anyone who enjoys art - Matangi is a must-listen of 2013.
3) Paramore - Paramore
Top Tracks - Still Into You, (One of Those) Crazy Girls, Ain’t It Fun
Paramore, one of my favorite bands since I was a wee teen, went through its fair share of band drama and lineup changes in the last few years, but with their 2013 self-titled release (the first with the new three-person lineup), Hayley Williams and company have proven they have come back stronger than ever and have released arguably their best record to date. Paramore unrelentlessly delivers track after track of pure songwriting and pop/rock brilliance, showing that the band has indeed grown up from their early 'Fueled By Ramen' days and intend to be serious contenders in the music arena. I was lucky enough to see this album performed live this year and the chemistry between the trio is undeniable - this is a group that understands the high caliber of music they are putting out and are committed to doing it justice. For people who are uninitiated in the ways of Paramore and want to listen to a truly spectacular release, Paramore is the place to start.
4) The Blessed Unrest - Sara Bareilles
Top Tracks - Chasing the Sun, 1000 Times, Manhattan
By this point, I am convinced Sara Bareilles is incapable of recording anything that isn’t solid musical gold. With her third effort The Blessed Unrest, Bareilles brings us her most well-rounded and heartfelt record yet. Flagshipped by the power-single ‘Brave’, The Blessed Unrest is a 12-track emotional soliloquy delivered via Bareilles’ impeccable songwriting skills and unmatched vocal capabilities. This is the kind of album that will stay with you after the first listen (I can admit I was tearing up after the first pass), a talent that Bareilles has perfected. The Blessed Unrest is a breathtaking album and well-deserved of the praise and acclaim it has received.
5) Bitter Rivals - Sleigh Bells
Top Tracks - Bitter Rivals, Minnie, Tiger Kit
With the second new release in as many years, Sleigh Bells once again presents us with another insanely-addictive body of high-energy, power-driven songs. Weighing in at just under 30 minutes long, this slim volume of 10 headbangers borrows from some of the best elements of the band’s first two albums to create a record that will leave long-time fans and newcomers satisfied. Bitter Rivals’ brightest point is its title track, one of my favorite songs of the year, which showcases the band’s witty lyrics and in-your-face noise-pop musical arrangement. Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller appear to have found a winning formula for what makes the most authentic, crowd-pleasing music and it is on full display in Bitter Rivals. For anyone who hasn’t experienced Sleigh Bells before (recorded or live, the latter is a similarly amazing experience and one of my favorite live music moments of the year), you are definitely going to want to get Bitter Rivals in your life.
6) The Bones of What You Believe - CHVRCHES
Top Tracks - Recover, Night Sky, Gun
CHVURCHES was THE buzz band of the year - seemingly overnight, their name (which is a bitch to type) was all over the place and with a small selection of tracks from a catchy EP, the anticipation behind their full-length debut was sky-high. The Bones Of What You Believe takes these high expectations and shatters them to pieces, as the Scottish synth-pop trio delivers one of the most addictive and excellent albums of 2013. Lauren Mayberry’s quiet vocals are a perfect complement to the brilliant synth-driven arrangement on Bones, which also contain some of the most perceptive and awe-inspiring lyrics of the year. CHVRCHES’ sound is easily accessible to almost any type of music fan and The Bones of What you Believe is a truly stellar album that shaped my 2013.
7) Night Time, My Time - Sky Ferreira
Top Tracks - I Blame Myself, Nobody Asked Me (If I Was Okay), Heavy Metal Heart
With one of the most delayed and anticipated debuts in recent pop memory, Sky Ferreira finally released her fiery, anthemic debut album Night Time, My Time this year and it was well-worth the wait. At just 21 years old, Ferreira’s vocals, lyrics, and impressive songwriting prowess impress just about anyone who gives this album a listen. Ferreira channels an almost 90’s glam rock-esque sound as she belts out song after song about love, heartbreak, self-doubt and growing up. As far as female artist debuts go, Night Time, My Time is one of the most spectacular of the year and gives fans of great pop music a lot to look forward to from this rising star.
8) The Electric Lady - Janelle Monáe
Top Tracks - Q.U.E.E.N., Primetime, We Were Rock & Roll
Janelle Monáe presents one of the most powerful, unique and insanely-addictive records of the year. I’m mad late to the Janelle Monáe train, but The Electric Lady (the third part of a seven-part concept) is the perfect place to hop on and become a fan. Monáe is an artist and a performer through and through and this comes through in each of the dynamic track on Electric Lady. I was lucky enough to see her perform this album live and it was my favorite live music experience of the year (and Top 5 of my entire life), Monáe does things with her live act that many artists couldn’t fathom doing. From super-hopped up dance tracks to smooth R&B classics, this album delivers on so many levels and is certainly one of the most unique albums of the past few years.
Lorde
9) Pure Heroine - Lorde
Top Tracks - Ribs, Tennis Court, 400 Lux
The way everyone was talking about Lorde this year, you’d think going to church was back in fashion! But with the Adele-level hype that Ella Yelich-O'Connor received, she more that delivered with her debut Pure Heroine. The 16-year old New Zealander crafted a spectacularly impressive debut with ten tracks that are each so simple, yet so effective at staking Lorde’s claim as the next international musical sensation. Tackling the subject of coming of age in the new millennium (something my generation has familiarity with but people just a few years older appear to be more than an arm’s length away from), Lorde effortlessly captures the angst, wit, and emotion that our youth are going through today and packages it in a way so that it is consumable by just about anyone. Lorde is easily one of the most refreshing new acts of the year and Pure Heroine is easily one of the best albums of the year.
10) Speak A Little Louder - Diane Birch
Top Tracks - All the Love You Got, Lighthouse, It Plays On
Diane Birch was one of my favorite female vocalist discoveries of recent memory and her stunning 2009 debut Bible Belt is an absolute must-have for any record collection. Thankfully, her sophomore attempt Speak A Little Louder is equally as stunning. Birch’s unique and exemplary vocals shine throughout this mostly dark album, as her lyrics cover topics of intense love and intense heartbreak, a departure from the content she belted out on her first record. Birch pours her all into each moment of this spectacular record and she is certainly a young chanteuse worth becoming a fan of and following.
11) Mosquito - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Top Tracks - Sacrilege, Despair, Always
With their fourth album Mosquito, indie-rock staples the Yeah Yeah Yeahs continue to prove why they have such a commanding grasp of the genre and why their fans are amongst the most dedicated in all of rock music. Ten years after their standout debut Fever to Tell, the YYYs return with one of the most experimental and emotionally charged record to date. Karen O’s vocal still shine brighter than almost anything else in indie rock, delivering heart-wrenching lyrics with fresh musical arrangement and songwriting. Mosquito is another step in the right direction for a band that has earned the respect and admiration of anyone who loves authentic indie rock music.
12) Don’t Look Down - Skylar Grey
Top Tracks - Back from the Dead, Tower (Don’t Look Down), Religion
Skylar Grey, whose voice was made well-known through collaborations with Eminem, Diddy, & Lupe Fiasco, released her stellar debut Don’t Look Down and I was instantly hooked. Grey’s songwriting chops were already well-proven in the industry, and she brings her absolute best to the smart, powerful debut. She puts her heart and soul into her lyrics and makes music that almost anyone can relate to. After this powerful first record, I am really excited to see what Skylar Grey does next.
13) Trouble - Natalia Kills
Top Tracks - Saturday Night, Marlboro Lights, Television
Natalia Kills has been one of my favorite acts to come onto the music scene in the past few years and with Trouble, she brings her fans of her impressive 2010 debut Perfectionist an evolved, much more polished sound. Kills tells captivating stories with razor-sharp witted lyrics which listeners will be reciting in their heads for days after consuming. Her vocals continue to shine (‘Marlboro Lights’ is a great example of this) on these confident, sexy 13 tracks and with Trouble, Natalia Kills proves she wasn’t just a flash-in-the-pan artist of 2011 - she’s the real deal.
14) ARTPOP - Lady Gaga
Top Tracks - Gypsy, Dope, Do What U Want
With her highly-anticipated third album, Lady Gaga delivers an eccentric, lyrically provocative expression of her musical style and give us a decidedly “Lady Gaga” album. ARTPOP is ever the polarizing album, but I enjoyed it since it represents where Lady Gaga wants her sound to be now without losing the creativity, luster, and strong lyrics and vocals that made her past works such successes. ARTPOP is a smart, sexy, creative work and continues the tradition of high-quality Gaga releases.
15) The 20/20 Experience: The Complete Experience - Justin Timberlake
Top Tracks - Take Back the Night, TKO, Mirrors
The last time Justin Timberlake released a new album, I was graduating high school, so it goes without saying that the music world had been patient waiting for the prince of pop’s next musical endeavor. JT spread the sex, love, and cheer all over 2013 with his strong-dual album The 20/20 Experience. In one of the strongest R&B/pop releases of the year, Timberlake puts out 21 silky smooth tracks that show a depth of maturity and understanding of the genres that we have come to expect from JT. A friend referred to Part 1 of this release as “an hour of pure sex” and that’s the characterization I keep coming back to - JT knows what he is good at, creating ridiculously catchy, sexy songs and he does not fail to satisfy the music world that has been waiting almost seven years for his new music.
16) This Is... Icona Pop - Icona Pop
Top Tracks - All Night, I Don’t Care (I Love It), Light Me Up
Icona Pop roared onto the scene this year after being featured in a cocaine-driven party scene on the popular HBO show Girls and from this introduction, their rally cry of “I DON’T CARE, I LOVE IT” became the resounding sound of spring and summer breaks worldwide. The Swedish dancehall duo followed up their “I Don’t Care” buzz with an equally fulfilling debut album this fall. This Is...Icona Pop features some of the catchiest hooks and smart dance tracks this year. In a year where EDM and pop music continued to fuse together in the mainstream, Icona Pop’s album capitalizes on this and delivers one of the most memorable European dance/vocal debuts in recent years.
17) The Civil Wars - The Civil Wars
Top Tracks - The One That Got Away, Eavesdrop, Same Old Same Old
The Civil Wars’ second (and more likely than not, final) release is a truly epic sampling of tracks about love, loss, betrayal, and a little bit of hope. Joy Williams and John Paul White’s stunning harmonies and rich musical arrangement make this a very unique album that can permeate almost any music lover’s taste. It is hard to listen to The Civil Wars without pondering how the band’s personal backstory (the duo are no longer on speaking terms and are not promoting their material together) played into crafting these songs. While it sadly seems this may be the duo’s final work together, it is an excellent piece of art to go out on and certainly worth anyone’s time to listen to if you want to experience a raw, honest collection of emotional music.
18) Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
Top Tracks - Diane Young, Worship You, Unbelievers
Vampire Weekend put out another rich classic with their third album, Modern Vampires of the City. Fans of their first two records will find little in common between Modern and their earlier releases as the band has made a sharp deviation from the sound that made them college dorm-room staples since 2007. The new sound fit their genius lyrics perfectly and make for another high-energy, smart record.
19) Save Rock and Roll - Fall Out Boy
Top Tracks - My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light ‘Em Up), The Phoenix, Alone Together
After a 2008 album that no one really cared for, Fall Out Boy’s 2013 effort Save Rock and Roll definitely seemed like a comeback and a return to what made the early 2000’s rock quartet the powerhouses they are. Patrick Stump and company deliver a high-octane, hook-filled album with songs featuring the some of the strongest lyrics the band has ever put out (and with some of the most eccentric and effective collaborations on any record from 2013). Save Rock and Roll is one of the strongest rock albums of 2013 and will be music to the ears of anyone who considered themselves a FOB fan over the past decade.
20) BEYONCÉ - Beyoncé
Top Tracks - Partition, Drunk in Love, ***Flawless
It is unconventional for me to add an album to this list after just five days of listening (and to deviate from my favorite number 19), but nothing about BEYONCÉ is conventional and that’s what makes it such a powerful album. Mrs. Carter presents her absolutely best lyrics to date with a very smooth, sophisticated sounding album that is a very unique experience from beginning to end. The vocals and production are top-notch and with this 5th attempt, Beyoncé solidifies her position as one of the titans of the music industry today.